Telephone scams target elderly

HESPERIA • Following a series of telephone scams targeting elderly Hesperia residents, deputies are asking the public to be on alert.

The perpetrators of this scam focus on elderly victims by claiming to be their grandchildren, according to a press release from the San Bernardino County Sheriff 's Department.

Typically, the caller pretends to be a family member who has been in a traffic accident and is in urgent need of money. The caller then asks the victim to buy a "Green Dot Money Pack" for $500 from Walgreens. A little later, the caller contacts the victim again and asks for the card number, according to the release.

This scam is one of many elaborate phone and Internet scams affecting people in the area. In these cases, the victim rarely questions the call because the caller has information about the victim or their family.

According to Capt. Nils Bentsen of the Hesperia sheriff's station it is important to be wary of telephone calls requesting money and to verify any requests with other family members.

If you suspect fraud, contact your local law enforcement agency.

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